Centuries ago, the area that would be the South Cotabato was sparsely inhabited by Maguindanaon pioneers and Lumads which are under Sultanate of Maguindanao's influence.

The Spaniards launched expeditions to subdue the area throughout the colonial era but they never gained control of the region until the middle of the 19th century after the Spaniards established a military post at what is now Barangay Tamontaka, one of the earliest Christian settlements founded south of the Philippines, in present-day Cotabato City.

After World War II, the final exodus of settlers from Luzon and Visayas poured into the area's virgin land.

In the early 1960s as population, trade and industries grew in southern part of Cotabato, a clamor of local self-governance arose.

[4] At that time, the province consisted of 11 municipalities, namely: Banga, South Cotabato, General Santos (now a city), Glan, Kiamba, Koronadal, Maitum, Norala, Polomolok, Surallah, Tantangan, and Tupi.

South Cotabato covers a total land area of 3,935.95 square kilometres (1,519.68 sq mi).

[10] When General Santos is included for geographical purposes, the province's land area is 4,428.81 square kilometres (1,709.97 sq mi).

South Cotabato belongs to the fourth type of climate, that is rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year.

South Cotabato enjoys a mild, pleasant climate with no pronounced dry or wet season, and is practically typhoon-free.

When General Santos is included for geographical purposes, the province's population is 1,509,735 people,[11] with a density of 341 inhabitants per square kilometre (880/sq mi).

On the other hand, Ilocano-speaking peoples of Luzon settled in Tampakan, Tantangan and Tupi, and the Ilocano language may still be heard in these towns.

One vivid example of this is the predominant use of the native malong, the colorful, tubelike garment used as a skirt by the indigenous tribes, in place of a blanket or sleeping bag.

Poverty incidence of South Cotabato Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] Executive Branch:[26] Legislative Branch:[26] Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board Members) Ex-Officio Members: The Local Provincial Government holds its official functions in the City of Koronadal.

These institutions range from primary and secondary schools to colleges and universities, providing comprehensive education opportunities across various fields of study.

South Cotabato is home to a range of medical facilities that provide comprehensive healthcare services to its residents.

The province’s hospitals are strategically located across various municipalities and cities, ensuring accessible medical care for the community.